Dame Helen, 63, who has long had legions of admirers, reveals she’s an enthusiastic fan of nudist beaches.

The Oscar winning actress says: “I’ve been on nudist beaches and think they’re great, really great. They desexualise nudity completely.”

However, despite long being regarded as one of the most alluring stars on the British screen, Mirren takes issue with the view she’s a beauty. “I am just not beautiful,” she insists to Glamour magazine.

“Keira Knightley is beautiful and  Kate Moss.”